Russian Su-57 crashes near Moscow; Ukrainian hackers accused of manipulating air defense to down jet

Published Jul 24, 01:02 PM UTC

On July 23, 2026, a Russian Su-57 fighter jet crashed near Zvenigorod in the Moscow region. Russia's defense ministry cited a technical malfunction, but independent group Inform Napalm claims Ukrainian hackers manipulated a Russian air-defense unit (Bars Moscow) into shooting down the aircraft. The group says it identified vulnerabilities in the unit's software and operations, enabling a 'comprehensive cognitive influence and cyber intervention.' The Su-57 is Russia's most advanced fifth-generation fighter. Separately, Russia launched a large mechanized assault toward Dobropillia, which failed despite using counter-drone systems. Attacks on Wildberries warehouses continued, with fires reported in St. Petersburg. The Ukrainian military has not commented on the crash.